Not far from the famous landmark of Big Buddha is Bophut Beach.
The beach itself encompasses some two kilometers of white sandy
shoreline fringed by coconut palms leaning over the sea. The calm
waters of the bay make this a popular spot for either playing or
relaxing. Stretched along the main road you will find many small
shops and restaurants. Bophut is a good compromise between the super
quiet places and the hustle and bustle of Chaweng. This is one of
the few beaches on Samui where you can rent jet skis, as well as
kayaks and snorkeling gear.
The
Fisherman Village:
An old house in fisherman village
At the west end of Bophut is perhaps one of the oldest places on
the island, Fisherman's Village. The nostalgic wooden houses and
small local shops here remind one of days gone by in Samui. The
"main street" along the beach is not longer than a kilometer
but is rich in style and variety of shops, from the oldest local
shop selling anything and nothing, to the most elegant restaurant,
but all of them have some kind of unique touch.
There are several seafront shophouses which have been converted
into trendy restaurant establishments while some other excellent
restaurants offer beautiful and quiet settings for lunch or dinner.
Most of these restaurants proposes excellent selection of international
dishes served on a small and cozy terrace right over the beach and
overlooking the Bophut Bay with a stunning view on the far islands
of Koh Phang Ngan and Koh Tao. And at night, the area is quite charming,
making it a perfect location for a romantic evening with someone
special.
Juzz a Pizza... a must try!
Long times residents all recommended:
Juzz'a Pizza - Italian specialties
with a seaview - Our Favourite! A must try!
Angela's Bakery which has a wide choice of sandwiches
and salads, all generously served, and the big finally not
to be missed: the cakes and pastries with the lemon cheese
cake.
Starfish and Coffee: A renown restaurant with a
unique trendy style serves Thai and international dishes
with a Touch. Starfish and Coffee is also a shop of selected
Thai handicrafts and materials, and a beautiful massage
center where you can have a relaxing foot massage on a quiet
terrace facing the sea.
The Greek Restaurant is also one of the favourites
of the residents and is located at the west end of the street
along the beach
La Sirene: A French Restaurant with some seafood
specials just like South France know how.
Massage at Starfish & Coffee
There are also some dive shops
in the area for those interested in taking scuba lessons or going
for a day dive to the famous An Thong Marine Park, Sail Rock or
Koh Tao.
La Sirene offers some selected tours to secret spots in the surrounding
islands or some Jeep rides to places difficult to access for visitors
not familiar with the island, mainly the Secret
Buddha Garden. Try an elephant ride in the tropical forest or
go for a fishing trip on a local fishing boat with a real fisherman
to the waters of Koh Phang Ngan. An unusual experience which will
be fun and memorable.
Maenam
Beach:
The wide and wild beach of Maenam
Maenam Beach is located about 2 Km to the west of Bophut. It is
still very much a traditional Thai village in the true sense of
the word. Some of the wooden houses and shops are over 70 years
old and it's well worth taking a stroll down to the waterside to
take in the character of the place. The 4-Km long beach here is
clean with calm waters. The sand is not as smooth as Chaweng's and
the sea not as shallow, but it provides a quiet and remarkably tropical
feeling. Some dive shops and watersport facilities are available
and it's a great place to go windsurfing, especially in November
and December. Many speedboats going to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao depart
from Maenam Pier. Along the main road is a small town with some
restaurants and shops. If you want some action at night, just head
on over to Chaweng, which is only a 10 minutes away by car or motorbike.
The area is home to some of the more expensive resorts on the island,
as well as countless small bungalows dotting the coastline. For
those in need of some pampering and stress relief, there are some
great spa centers. Many restaurants serving a variety of simple
Thai classics or elaborate international cuisine offer excellent
value for money. The laid back lifestyle here attracts many couples
and honeymooners, whose priority is not necessarily a busy nightlife.
Ban Kaew Ruean Kwan is a small "village" in Bophut
consisting of three individual Thai- style villas where you
can relax and feel at home. Located amidst a profusion of
green foliage and colorful bougainvillea, this sanctuary ensures
complete privacy to daydream around the swimming pool or lotus
pond. Go
to Hotel Website
With its seaside location, Peace Resort provides guest with
plenty of opportunity to unwind and forget about the stresses
back home. Established in 1977 by the Pupaiboon family, the
resort was built for guests searching for that unique vacation
with uncompromised Thai hospitality. Go
to Hotel Website
The coconut-fringed beaches, clear warm waters and green
mountain backdrop all help to make Samui one of the most alluring
tropical island getaways in the world. The Impiana Resort
Samui gives you access to all of the above, with nice facilities
and reasonable prices. Go
to Hotel Website
A modern resort with that extra special "something"
that will help make your holiday one to remember. The Euphoria
Hotel's design reflects typical, southern Thai-style architecture
with beautifully carved wooden ornamentation. Go
to Hotel Website
Samui Palm Beach Resort is situated in the heart of unspoiled
Bophut Beach on Koh Samui's spectacular northern coast, considered
by many to be the island's most beautiful area. A mere 10-minute
drive from the airport, it lies amidst peaceful groves of
palm trees and acres of tropical gardens. Go
to Hotel Website
Lotus ponds, delicate flowering shrubs, coconut palms and
a freshwater stream cover the 23-acre landscaped gardens of
the Santiburi Dusit Resort, the only 5-star resort on Maenam
Bay, Koh Samui. Just a 70-minute flight from Bangkok to Samui
airport, then a 12-kilometer drive along the north shore of
the island and you will truly be in tropical heaven! Go
to Hotel Website
Paradise Beach Resort is situated directly on the waterfront
in the center of Maenam Beach, an isolated and relatively
undeveloped stretch of white sands midway between Nathon and
Chaweng Beach on the north coast of the island. Paradise Beach
Resort is only a 10-minute drive from Samui International
Airport and about 5 minutes from Maenam Village. Go
to Hotel Website
Bathed by the clear blue waters and brilliance of the tropical
sun are expanses of silver-white, sandy beaches that rank
among the world's finest. With excellent facilities, the
Seafan Beach Resort will meet all of your expectations.
Its lush gardens make a refreshing complement to the delights
of sun, sea and sand. Go
to Hotel Website
